Cats are the most popular companion animal in New Zealand, with 41% of households sharing their home with at least one cat.1 The love and connection we have with these animals are reflected in the comparatively low number of cats used in research, testing and teaching and how they are used.
Many studies involving cats aim to improve their health and comfort in our homes, like surveying their humans to find risk factors for cats becoming overweight.2 However, some cats are still harmed for science; for example, wild cats are used in harmful ways for research aimed at trying to protect native wildlife.
Note: Cats living in the wild are often referred to as feral cats, but we will refer to these animals as wild cats.
Cats have been used in research, testing and teaching in various ways - from non-harmful to cruel and invasive methods. Most cats used for research, testing and teaching purposes are used for basic biological and veterinary research. They are also used in teaching, environmental management and more.
Cats in NZ have been used for:
- Testing pet food formulations.
- Veterinary research, including testing medications for feline diseases, studying disease symptoms and ways of diagnosis (like FIV, tooth decay, and cancer) and researching cat behaviour and health.
- Environmental management, including testing toxic bait and traps, studying wild cat behaviour, optimising management methods (like killing trapped cats) and training staff to handle wild cats.
- Teaching veterinary and vet nurse students basic concepts like animal handling and basic clinical/husbandry skills.
Places that use cats for science in NZ include private companies, universities, and polytechnics.
Cats used for science in NZ are sourced from breeding units, the wild (captured) and other public sources.*
*According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, public sources include: Public donations, animals obtained from a pound, a pet shop or other public sources. This includes companion animals who are used for the duration of the exercise (e.g. veterinary nurse training).
Discover real-life examples of how cats have been used in NZ below!
Collecting faeces for lab tests
Colony cats were fed different diets for three weeks before their faeces was collected for analyses.
Measuring thickness of blood vessel walls
Colony cats were anaesthetised, and the blood vessels under their tongue were measured with a special hand-held camera.
Assessing stress reaction to anaesthesia in cats
Cats were put through several anaesthetic infusions with six-day breaks in between. Regular saliva samples were taken 24 hours before and after, and urine was collected through a wire mesh tray.
Testing new toxin in Hawke’s Bay (again)
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Surveying caregivers on their cat feeding
New Zealand cat caregivers filled in an online survey about their household demographics and what/how they feed their cats.
Testing food preferences of cats
Cats were fasted for two hours in the mornings and then presented with different foods (lamb and beef parts) to measure their consumption.
Sampling cats for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from almost 200 cats at 15 veterinary clinics.
Testing a cat food supplement for tooth health
Colony cats were anaesthetised, and all plaque was removed from their teeth. Four weeks later, new plaque build-up was measured.
Testing if a human diabetes drug might also work in cats
Research cats were placed in individual cages four times (one week each time) and injected with either a diabetes drug or a control solution. Several blood and urine samples were taken.
Studying medical data of cat and dog CT-imaging
Medical data from cats and dogs were gathered, and animals that had been euthanised for other reasons were examined.
Trialling ready-made toxic bait
Toxic bait stations are set up in a regular pattern in an area and left for two weeks. Trial cameras and tracking tunnels monitor the effect on the population.
Determining how common E. coli is in pets
Rectal swaps were taken from cats and dogs presented at veterinary clinics, and their caregivers filled out a questionnaire.
Testing the effect of dietary fibre in cat food
Cats received three diets for three weeks each. Food intake was measured daily, and urine and faeces were collected for the last 5 days each time.
Testing a new papillomavirus vaccine
Adult colony cats were injected with a new vaccine or a control solution. Regular skin swabs and blood samples were taken.
Testing a diagnostic for feline coronavirus
Cats with specific symptoms were used to take blood, tissue, and fluid samples. Some blood samples were taken from control cats.
Monitoring outdoor cat behaviour
Privately owned cats with outdoor access were fitted with camera and GPS collars for up to three days.
